Methods and apparatus for serializing a plurality of products

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for tracking inventory is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of labels with pre-printed indicia, such that each label in the plurality of labels includes a unique indicia representing a unique serial number. Each of the plurality of labels is applied to one of a plurality of the same products. Each product in the plurality of the same products uses the same machine-readable data. An imaging device reads the machine-readable data used by the plurality of the same products and the unique pre-printed indicia on the label applied to each product. A computing device is coupled to the imaging device. Software executing on the computing device associates the machine-readable data with the unique pre-printed indicia to create an association. The association is stored in a memory.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.63/168,650, filed Mar. 31, 2021, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for serializing aplurality of the same products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, high value goods, such as electronic products include serialnumbers that are used to manage and track inventory and for registeringthe product for warranty purposes. Low cost products, such as consumerpackaged goods (CPG) are generally not serialized. However, these lowcost products generally use product identifying codes, such as UniversalProduct Codes (UPC). The nature of low cost goods makes serializing themcostly and burdensome. The present invention provides a low-cost methodto serialize lower cost products for managing and tracking suchproducts.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in a method for associatingmachine-readable data with unique pre-printed indicia. The methodincludes applying one of a plurality of labels to one of a plurality ofthe same products. Each label includes a unique pre-printed indiciarepresenting a unique serial number. Each product in the plurality ofthe same products uses the same machine-readable data. The method alsoincludes reading the machine-readable data used by the product and theunique pre-printed indicia on the label applied to each product with animaging device coupled to a computing device. The machine-readable datais associated with the unique pre-printed indicia to create anassociation. The association is stored in a memory.

In one embodiment, the machine-readable data includes a productidentifier for the product. The product identifier can be a universalproduct code (UPC) or a stock keeping unit (SKU). In one embodiment, theimaging device reads the machine-readable data and the uniquepre-printed indicia substantially simultaneously.

The method can also include managing at least one of the plurality ofproducts with the stored association of the machine-readable data andthe unique pre-printed indicia. The method can include determining aninventory status of each product using the association. In oneembodiment, the memory includes a database.

In one embodiment, each of the labels can include a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) circuit for storing the unique indicia. The radiofrequency identification (RFID) circuit can include a Near-FieldCommunication (NFC) circuit.

In one embodiment, the unique serial numbers of the unique pre-printedindicia of a plurality of labels includes sequential values. The methodcan also include reading both the lowest value unique serial number andthe highest value unique serial number of a plurality of sequentiallabels and inferring all serial numbers in between.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in an apparatus fortracking inventory. The apparatus includes a plurality of labels withpre-printed indicia, such that each label in the plurality of labelsincludes a unique indicia representing a unique serial number. Each ofthe plurality of labels is applied to one of a plurality of the sameproducts. Each product in the plurality of the same products uses thesame machine-readable data. An imaging device reads the machine-readabledata used by the plurality of the same products and the uniquepre-printed indicia on the label applied to each product. A computingdevice is coupled to the imaging device. Software executing on thecomputing device associates the machine-readable data with the uniquepre-printed indicia to create an association. The association is storedin a memory.

In one embodiment, the machine-readable data includes a productidentifier for the product. The product identifier can be a universalproduct code (UPC) or a stock keeping unit (SKU), for example. In oneembodiment, the memory includes cloud storage. In one embodiment, eachof the plurality of labels includes a radio frequency identification(RFID) circuit for storing the unique indicium. The radio frequencyidentification (RFID) circuit can include a Near-Field Communication(NFC) circuit.

In one embodiment, the software tracks a product with one of theplurality of labels by using the association of the machine-readabledata with the unique pre-printed indicia. In one embodiment, theassociation enables the software to determine an inventory status of theproduct.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in a system. The systemincludes a plurality of labels. Each label in the plurality of labelsincludes a unique indicia representing a unique serial number. Theunique serial numbers for a sequence of labels in the plurality oflabels include sequential values. Each of the plurality of labels isapplied to one of a plurality of the same products. Each product in theplurality of the same products uses the same machine-readable data. Themachine-readable data is a product identifier for the products. Animager reads the machine-readable data used by each product and readsthe unique pre-printed indicia on each label applied to each product. Acomputer associates the machine-readable data with the uniquepre-printed indicia to create an association. A storage device storesthe association. The storage device can be local to the computing deviceor remote, such as cloud storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to helpimprove understanding of various embodiments. In addition, thedescription and drawings do not necessarily require the orderillustrated. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and/orsteps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrencewhile those skilled in the art will understand that such specificitywith respect to sequence is not actually required. Apparatus and methodcomponents have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the various embodiments so as not to obscurethe disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful ornecessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted inorder to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments.

The above and further advantages of this invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate likestructural elements and features in various figures. Skilled artisanswill appreciate that reference designators shown herein in parenthesisindicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion.For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing Figure A wouldrefer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than Figure A.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial representation of a plurality of labelsaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a pictorial representation of a printer having aplurality of labels according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a mobile device and four (4) identical productsaccording to the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a pictorial representation of an RFID label accordingto the invention.

FIG. 5. illustrates a database table according to the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process according to one embodiment of theinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature andis not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses ofthe invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpress or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms offunctional components and various processing steps. It should beappreciated that such components may be realized by any number ofhardware components configured to perform the specified functions.

The following description may refer to elements or features being“connected” or “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expresslystated otherwise, “connected” means that one element/feature is directlyjoined to (or directly communicates with) another element/feature.Likewise, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that oneelement/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly orindirectly communicates with) another element/feature. The term“exemplary” is used in the sense of “example, instance, or illustration”rather than “model,” or “deserving imitation.”

Technologies and concepts discussed herein relate to apparatus andmethods to track inventory. The apparatus includes a plurality of labelseach having a unique pre-printed indicia representing a unique serialnumber. Each label having the pre-printed indicia can also include aradio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit included thereon. The RFIDcircuit can be programmed to include information corresponding to theunique pre-printed indicia.

Each of the plurality of labels is applied to one of a plurality of thesame products. Each product in the plurality of the same products usesthe same machine-readable data. An imaging device reads themachine-readable data used by the plurality of the same products and theunique pre-printed indicia on the label applied to each product.

A computing device is coupled to the imaging device. Software executingon the computing device associates the machine-readable data with theunique pre-printed indicia to create an association. The association isstored in a memory. The memory can be local to the computing device orremote, such as cloud storage.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial representation of a plurality of labels100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The pluralityof labels 100 includes label 100 a-f. The labels 100 a-f are affixed toa backing paper 102 using adhesive. The backing paper 102 can includeholes 104 or other alignment features, such as notches or marks, forexample.

Each label 100 a-f is pre-printed with unique pre-printed indicia, suchas a 2D barcode image or QR (Quick Response) code 106, 108, 110, 112,114, and 116. In practice, the pre-printed image could alternatively bea one-dimensional barcode or any machine readable image that canrepresent serial number information. In one embodiment, the QR codes106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 on each successive label 100 a-f,respectively, can represent a unique serial number. The serial numberscan be printed in ascending order on adjacent labels 100 a-f. Inpractice, the QR codes 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 can includeother information in addition to the serial number information. Forexample, the QR codes 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 can includeinformation about the product item (e.g., date of manufacture) orinformation about the company ordered the labels 100.

In one embodiment, the QR codes 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 can beplaced in any one of the four corners of the label to leave theremaining print area free for further printing. For example, a companylogo or other identifier could also be printed on the label. Inpractice, the QR codes 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 can bepositioned in any suitable location on the labels 100 a-f.

In one embodiment, the label is an RFID label. An RFID label issometimes referred to as a smart label and can include common types ofpassive RFID tags. RFID labels are generally fabricated from paper orplastic (usually vinyl) and include an embedded RFID inlay. Smart labelsusually include adhesive for affixing the label to a package and areused with RFID printers/encoders.

In one embodiment, the serial number information from the labels 100 isstored in a database for future use by a company that affixes the labels100 to a plurality of the same product items. The database can reside ina local memory on a mobile computing device that captures the serialnumber information, or remotely on a memory in a server, for example.

In certain embodiments involving many labels 100, it is advantageous tocapture images of the labels 100 prior to applying the labels 100 to theproducts (not shown). In one mode of operation, a user utilizes animager (not shown) to capture both the lowest value unique serial numberand the highest value unique serial number of a plurality of sequentiallabels and software (not shown) infers all serial numbers between thelowest value unique serial number and the highest value unique serialnumber. For example, in a plurality of one hundred labels starting atserial number one and ending with serial number one hundred, a usercould merely capture the first label corresponding to serial number oneand capture the last label corresponding to serial number one hundred.The software is capable of inferring the serial numbers of the ninetyeight remaining labels. This technique saves the user the time andeffort it would require to capture the serial number from each label.

The unique serial numbers printed on the plurality of labels 100 can bestored in a memory of a computing device. Each label can then be appliedto each product using the same product identifier. The productidentifier can be a universal product code (UPC) or a stock keeping unit(SKU), for example.

FIG. 2 illustrates a pictorial representation of a printer 200 having aplurality of labels 202 according to one embodiment of the invention.The plurality of labels 202 is configured in a different format than theplurality of labels 100 of FIG. 1. For example, each label 202 a-g inthe plurality of labels 202 is affixed to a backing paper 204 so as tobe printed in a substantially horizontal direction; whereas each label100 a-f in the plurality of labels 100 (FIG. 1) is affixed to a backingpaper 102 so as to be printed in a substantially vertical direction. Inpractice, the labels 100, 202 can be spooled on rolls, provided in afanfold configuration or provided in sheet form. Additionally, thebacking paper 102, 204 can be fabricated from any suitable material.

The plurality of labels 202 are blank when loaded into the printer 200.The printer is programmed to print the pre-printed indicia, such as theQR codes 206 a-g on the plurality of labels 202. In one embodiment, theprinter 200 is a standard printer that requires no unique encodingfunctions (e.g., RFID, NFC . . . ). The printer 200 is shown forillustration purposes only. In practice, any suitable printer could beused.

As previously described, an imaging device (not shown) captures the QRcodes 206 a-g on the plurality of labels. The imaging device can capturethe QR codes 206 a-g prior to the labels 202 being applied to theproducts, or alternatively after the labels 202 are applied to theproducts.

Typically, each product in the plurality of products is the same. By thesame we mean each product shares the same product identifier, such as aUniversal Product Code (UPC). The UPC can be located on each product(not shown), such as on the product packaging. In one embodiment, a UPCis not located on each of the products. Instead, the UPC is associatedwith the products differently. For example, the products can be locatedin a carton or other container (not shown) and the UPC associated withthe products is located on the container.

Software executing on a computing device (not shown) creates anassociation or link between the two captured images. The resultingassociation creates a unique ID (serialization) link to the productspecific ID (SKU). The association can be stored in a memory (notshown). The memory can be locally situated or can be cloud storage, forexample. The association allows labeled products to be uniquelyidentified and inventoried on an individualized basis.

As previously described, the unique serial numbers corresponding to theQR codes printed on the plurality of labels can include sequentialvalues. As previously described, to improve efficiency, the imagingdevice can read both the lowest unique serial number and the highestunique serial number printed on the plurality of labels and thensoftware can make an inference as to the remaining serial numbersprinted on the plurality of labels.

In one embodiment, the association can also be used to pre-encode andlink a radio frequency identification (RFID)-based circuit (not shown).A RFID label (not shown) is created or encoded with a unique serialnumber. A QR code corresponding to the unique serial number is printedon the RFID label. An imaging device including a RFID reader capturesthe pre-printed QR code corresponding to the serial number.

The label including the RFID circuit and the QR code can be applied to aproduct having a UPC code associated with it. A computing device cancreate an association between the RFID information, the QR code (serialnumber) and the UPC code. A software application identifies, tracks, andtraces the uniquely tagged item by utilizing the scanned UPC codecorresponding to the product and/or data from the RFID inlay that isread by the RFID reader.

FIG. 3 illustrates a mobile device 300 and four (4) identical products302 a-d according to the invention. Each product 302 a-d includes alabel 304 a-d having a unique QR code 306 a-d, respectively.Additionally, each product 302 a-d includes an identical 1D barcode 308corresponding to a UPC or SKU, for example. The mobile device 300 can bea smart portable cellular telephone (cellphone), tablet or mobilecomputer, for example.

The mobile device 300 includes an imaging device 310, such as a cameralocated on the back side of the mobile device 300. The imaging device310 can have any resolution that is suitable to capture a QR code and a1D barcode. For example, the imaging device 310 can have a resolution of2 mega-pixels or above. In practice, any imaging device that is capableof capturing 1D and 2D barcode images can be used.

The mobile device 300 can also include a computer program (software)that executes on the mobile device 300. The software permits a user ofthe mobile device 300 to capture images of the QR codes 306 a-d on thelabels 304 a-d and the 1D barcodes 308 associated with the products 302a-d.

In operation, a user uses the mobile device 300 to capture an image of alabel 304 a affixed to the product item 302 a. The software can displaythe captured image 312 from the label 304 a, and captured image 314 ofthe UPC on the display 316 of the mobile device 300. In alternateembodiments, the mobile device 300 can capture the QR code 306 a and the1D barcode 308 either substantially simultaneously or sequentially,depending where the label 304 a is applied to the product 302 a/productpackaging. The software can then associate the captured QR code 306 awith the 1D barcode 308 to create an association 318. The association318 can be displayed on the display 316.

In one embodiment, the software transmits the images 312, 314 of thecaptured QR code 306 a and the 1D barcode 308 to a remote storage deviceor cloud storage, and software executing on a remote server (not shown)creates the association 318. The association 318 has effectivelyserialized the product item 302 a and such information can be stored ina memory or a database for tracking products and managing inventory, forexample.

FIG. 4 illustrates a pictorial representation of an RFID label 400according to the invention. The RFID label 400 includes an RF circuit402. The RF circuit 402 is capable of being programmed to transmit datawhen an RFID reader 404 excites an antenna of the RF circuit 402 with anappropriate frequency. For example, the RF circuit 402 can be anultra-high frequency (UHF) passive RFID circuit 402. In practice, anysuitable RF circuit that operates at a suitable frequency can be used.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that in general, radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automaticallyidentify and track RFID tags attached to objects. An RFID systemconsists of a small radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter.When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearbyRFID reader device, the RFID tag transmits digital data, such as anidentifying inventory number, back to the RFID reader device. Thisnumber can be used to track inventory goods.

Passive RFID tags are powered by energy from the RFID reader'sinterrogating radio waves exciting the antenna of the RFID tag. ActiveRFID tags are powered by an on-board battery and thus can be read at agreater range from the RFID reader. The active RFID tag periodicallytransmits its ID signal. A battery-assisted passive RFID tag has a smallbattery on board and is activated when in the presence of an RFIDreader.

RFID tags can either be read-only, having a factory-assigned serialnumber that is used as a key into a database, or can be read/write,where object-specific data can be written into the tag using an RFIDwriting device. Field programmable tags can be write-once, read-multipletimes; whereas “blank” tags can be written with an electronic productcode by the user.

An RFID tag receives a message from an RFID reader and then respondswith its identification and other information. This information can be aunique tag serial number, or can be product-related information such asa stock number, lot or batch number, production date, or other specificinformation. Since RFID tags can have individual serial numbers, theRFID system can discriminate among several tags that might be within therange of the RFID reader and read them substantially simultaneously.Thus, unlike a barcode, the RFID tag does not need to be within the lineof sight of the RFID reader, so it may be embedded in the trackedobject.

The RFID label 400 also includes pre-printed indicia, such as a QR code406. The QR code 406 is printed on the label 400 and contains data, suchas a serial number corresponding to the data programmed into the RFIDcircuit 402.

In operation, each of a plurality of labels 400 include an RFID inlaythat is programmed with a serial number corresponding to the QR code 406that is printed on the associated label. In one embodiment, a labelprinter can include RFID functionality that allows the printer to notonly print the QR code 406 (i.e., serial number), but also to writeinformation, including the serial number to the RFID circuit 402, and toverify that the data contained therein is readable and not corrupted.

In one embodiment, a plurality of products 410 a-x can be placed into acontainer 412. The container 412 includes a machine-readable UPC symbol414 corresponding to a product identifier. Each of the plurality ofproducts 410 a-x uses the UPC symbol 414 as its product identifier. Inthis embodiment, the UPC symbol 414 is not included on each product 410a-x. The labels 400 a-x can be affixed to a plurality of identicalproduct items 410 a-x and read by an imaging device (not shown). Inpractice, the RFID reader 404 can also include an imaging device(imager) which can be used to capture the QR code 406 on the labels 400a-x and the UPC symbol 414. As previously described, the QR code 406 canbe associated with the UPC symbol 414 to create an association.Additionally, the data contained in the RFID circuit 402 is alsoassociated with the UPC symbol 414.

The labeled products 410 a-x are loaded in the container 412. A user canutilize the RFID reader 404 to interrogate the container 412 todetermine which products 410 a-x are present and which products 410 a-xare not present. Thus, the RFID reader 404 enables the tracking ofproducts that were previously only identified by the UPC symbol 414. Insuch cases, there was previously no ability to uniquely inventory orscan each product item. The invention allows for unique inventory countsand item level product management. In one aspect, the process offers away for product items to be serialized uniquely.

FIG. 5. illustrates a database table 500 according to the invention. Thetable 500 is rudimentary in order to better illustrate certain aspectsof the invention. In practice, any suitable table could be used. In oneaspect, column 1 of table 500 illustrates a UPC 502. The UPC 502corresponds to the product item of interest. The UPC 502 can berepresented by a 1D barcode used by (or associated with) a product item.Table 500 illustrates sixteen such items associated with the UPC 502.

Column 2 of table 500 illustrates unique serial numbers 504 that can berepresented by pre-printed QR codes on a label (not shown). The uniqueserial numbers 504 are linked to the SKU 502 through a softwareapplication to create an association 506. The association 506 is shownin column 3 of table 500.

The association 506 can essentially serialize identical product items. Auser can manage inventory of the product items when the association 506is stored in the database table 500. For example, a simple query 508 candetermine how many items do not appear in the database table 500. Forexample, such items may not have had labels affixed to them, or suchitems may have been misplaced. The serialization of product itemsenabled by the association 506 allows a user to track and manage itemsin the database table 500.

FIG. 6 illustrates a process 600 according to one embodiment of theinvention. The process associates machine-readable data with uniquepre-printed indicia. In step 602, a user verifies that a plurality ofproducts uses the same UPC or other machine-readable code representing aproduct identifier.

In step 604, a user applies one of a plurality of labels to one of aplurality of the same products. Each label includes a unique pre-printedindicia representing a unique serial number. The pre-printed indicia canbe a QR code, for example. Each product in the plurality of the sameproducts uses the same machine-readable data (e.g., UPC symbol or SKU).The label could be glued to the package. Alternatively, the label couldbe attached to the product using a small plastic tag fastener. Inpractice, the label could be attached to the product or the productpackaging in any suitable way.

In step 606, a user reads the machine-readable data (e.g., UPC) used bythe product and the unique pre-printed indicia corresponding to theserial number on the label applied to each product with an imagingdevice coupled to a computing device. The imaging device can read theUPC and the pre-printed indicia corresponding to the serial numbereither sequentially or substantially simultaneously. The imaging devicecan be any suitable mobile device including an integrated imagingdevice. For example, the mobile device could be a smart cellular phoneor a tablet. The captured QR code and 1D barcode (UPC) can betransmitted to a cloud storage or an on-premise storage system.

In step 608, a software program executing on a computer associates themachine-readable data is with the unique pre-printed indicia to createan association. The association is stored in a memory. The softwareprogram can effectively “attach” a serial number to each individualidentical product. The resulting data can be used to identify, track,and trace each individual identical product.

The association can be stored in a memory. The memory can be in the formof a database. The memory can be local memory or can be remote memory,such as cloud storage. A user can access the association to track andmanage product inventory.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates thatvarious modifications and changes can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly,the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrativerather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intendedto be included within the scope of present teachings. The benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features orelements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely bythe appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency ofthis application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover, in this document, relational terms such as first and second,top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish oneentity or action from another entity or action without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”,“having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any othervariation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, suchthat a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has,includes, contains a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by“comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . .a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence ofadditional identical elements in the process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly statedotherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”,“approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined asbeing close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and inone non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, inanother embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and inanother embodiment within 0.5%. A device or structure that is“configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, butmay also be configured in ways that are not listed.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims arehereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While at least one example embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexample embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended tolimit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subjectmatter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should beunderstood that various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by theclaims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents atthe time of filing this patent application.

In addition, the section headings included herein are intended tofacilitate a review but are not intended to limit the scope of thepresent invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to beregarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit thescope of the appended claims.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:

-   -   a) the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other        elements or acts than those listed in a given claim;    -   b) the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude        the presence of a plurality of such elements;    -   c) any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope;    -   d) several “means” may be represented by the same item        implemented structure or function;    -   e) any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be        combined together or separated into further portions unless        specifically stated otherwise; and    -   f) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be        required unless specifically indicated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: applying one of a pluralityof labels to one of a plurality of the same products, each labelincluding a unique pre-printed indicia representing a unique serialnumber, each product in the plurality of the same products using thesame machine-readable data; reading the machine-readable data used bythe product and the unique pre-printed indicia on the label applied toeach product with an imaging device coupled to a computing device; andassociating the machine-readable data with the unique pre-printedindicia to create an association stored in a memory.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the machine-readable data comprises a productidentifier for the product.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theproduct identifier is one of a universal product code (UPC) and a stockkeeping unit (SKU).
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging devicereads the machine-readable data and the unique pre-printed indiciasubstantially simultaneously.
 5. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising managing at least one of the plurality of products with thestored association of the machine-readable data and the uniquepre-printed indicia.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdetermining an inventory status of each product with the association. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein the memory comprises a database.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of labels furthercomprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit for storingthe unique indicia.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the radiofrequency identification (RFID) circuit comprises a Near-FieldCommunication (NFC) circuit.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein theunique serial numbers of the unique pre-printed indicia of a pluralityof labels comprises sequential values.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising reading both the lowest value unique serial numberand the highest value unique serial number of a plurality of sequentiallabels and inferring all serial numbers in between.
 12. An apparatus fortracking inventory, comprising: a plurality of labels with pre-printedindicia, such that each label in the plurality of labels includes aunique indicia representing a unique serial number, each of theplurality of labels being applied to one of a plurality of the sameproducts, each product in the plurality of the same products using thesame machine-readable data; an imaging device reading themachine-readable data used by the plurality of the same products and theunique pre-printed indicia on the label applied to each product; and acomputing device coupled to the imaging device, software executing onthe computing device associating the machine-readable data with theunique pre-printed indicia to create an association and storing theassociation in a memory.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein themachine-readable data comprises a product identifier for the product.14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the product identifier is one ofa universal product code (UPC) and a stock keeping unit (SKU).
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the memory comprises cloud storage. 16.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of labelsfurther comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit forstoring the unique indicium.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein theradio frequency identification (RFID) circuit comprises a Near-FieldCommunication (NFC) circuit.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein thesoftware tracks a product with one of the plurality of labels by usingthe association of the machine-readable data with the unique pre-printedindicia.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the association enablesthe software to determine an inventory status of the product.
 20. Asystem, comprising: a plurality of labels, each label in the pluralityof labels including a unique indicia representing a unique serialnumber, the unique serial numbers for a sequence of labels in theplurality of labels comprising sequential values; means for applyingeach of the plurality of labels to one of a plurality of the sameproducts, each product in the plurality of the same products using thesame machine-readable data, the machine-readable data being a productidentifier for the products; imaging means for reading themachine-readable data used by each product and for reading the uniquepre-printed indicia on each label applied to each product; computingmeans for associating the machine-readable data with the uniquepre-printed indicia to create an association; and storing means forstoring the association in a memory.